Lot 423: Antique Brass Field Water Heater with Vented Heating Base

An antique brass field water heater or kettle of cylindrical form with a dark, aged patina. The vessel comprises a main water reservoir topped with a stepped, domed lid featuring an attached cast metal D-shaped handle. A secondary swing handle with a central turned wooden grip is mounted to the body via riveted tabs. The base of the unit contains a hollow heating chamber accessible through a curved, hinged door with a turned wooden knob. The base of this interior chamber has a large circular central opening, while the outer perimeter and the door are finished with several circular ventilation perforations.

The piece features several hand-applied and stamped marks. The lid bears hand-scratched text reading PROF ALIDAS followed by a further line of illegible characters. Near the lid rim, the characters 70 RS 38 1/4 are stamped, and the number 10 is stamped onto the side of the lid. The side of the main body is also stamped with the number 10.